Q : Which bike will give me a better workout: Road, Mountain, or Hybrid?

A: Modern training principles emphasize heart rate and duration of exercise, so you should be able to get similar cardiovascular training benefits on any bike. However, different bikes put the rider in different positions, so the muscle groups worked may vary. And different equipment is required for different types of riding, like a mountain bike's fat tires for off road terrain. Or for pavement riding, a road bike with its drop bars and skinny tires may be best.

As a practical point, we've found that the more fun an exercise program is, the more likely it is to be followed. So a light, fast bike would be our first recommendation, regardless of where you ride. As another practical note, if you are uncomfortable on your bike you're not going to have fun. If this is the case for you on a road bike's drop bars and narrow saddle, try one of our hybrid bikes. Or for extra comfort on a mountain bike, choose one with suspension features. Another consideration might be the bikes your workout partners are riding. No point in giving them an unfair advantage by riding a slower bike.